Sources: Heat to Work Out Chris ‘Birdman’ Andersen

The Miami Heat have been looking to add a more defensive front court presence for quite some time. But lets face it, quality paint protecting big men are hard to find. The days of an abundance of defensive bigs like Dikembe Mutumbo, Ben Wallace, and Alonzo Mourning are long gone. Reports out of the Heat camp today have the team looking to workout one of the remaining veteran bigs who is a pure shot blocker and blue collar offensive rebounder. He also has had his fair share of off the court issues, the one and only Chris ‘Birdman’ Andersen:

Heat president Pat Riley has been scouring the landscape to bolster a foundering frontcourt bench and appears to be intrigued with the possibility of discovering how much Andersen, 34, has left in his game. (via Yahoo! Sports)

Andersen played for the Nuggets part of last season but was eventually waived in July using their amnesty clause. He was still in good shape and able to contribute when he was waived, but following the accusations of child pornography in May of 2012, Andersen never really bounced back in the reputation department.

The Heat are hoping Andersen can still provide that spark off the bench that has proved him valuable throughout his entire career. Are the Heat grasping at straws? Or would you like to see the Heat give the veteran another chance at the NBA life?